As we all know, friendships can make or break our experiences in life.
The same goes for our plants!
While parsley loves having its friendly companion plants nearby, there are some plants that should be kept at a safe distance.
In this article, we’ll explore 13 plants that should never grow with parsley to keep your garden drama-free and flourishing.
1. Mint
Mint might seem like a friendly and refreshing addition to any garden, but it’s more like that overbearing friend who just can’t take a hint.
Mint has an aggressive growth habit and can quickly spread, choking out other plants, including your precious parsley.
It also competes for essential nutrients and water, leaving your parsley deprived of the resources it needs to thrive.
Moreover, mint can attract pests that may harm your parsley, making it a risky neighbor for your delicate herb.
2. Potatoes
Potatoes are the couch potatoes of the plant world, taking up valuable space without providing much in return.
When planted near parsley, they can compete for nutrients and water, which can stunt the growth of your parsley.
Plus, potatoes are susceptible to blight and other fungal diseases, which can spread to your parsley plants if they’re grown too close together.
Keep your parsley plants safe from these problems by keeping them separate from potatoes.
3. Corn
Corn is like that tall, popular friend who casts a long shadow over everyone else.
Its height can block sunlight, leaving your parsley struggling for the energy it needs to grow.
Additionally, corn is a heavy feeder, sucking up the nutrients and water that your parsley needs to be at its best.
Growing corn too close to parsley can result in a less productive and weaker parsley plant, so it’s best to keep them apart.
4. Cabbage
Cabbage might look innocent, but it’s hiding a dark secret: it’s a magnet for pests.
Cabbage can attract cabbage worms, aphids, and other pests that might also find their way to your parsley.
It’s best to keep these troublemakers at a distance to ensure your parsley stays safe and healthy.
Also, cabbages have large leaves that can block sunlight and compete for resources, further hindering the growth of parsley plants.
5. Garlic
Garlic, while a delicious and beneficial addition to your cooking, is not the best companion for your parsley.
Their growth habits are quite different, and garlic can actually stunt the growth of your parsley.
Garlic prefers a drier, well-drained soil, while parsley thrives in consistently moist conditions, making it difficult to meet the needs of both plants when grown together.
Furthermore, garlic has a strong smell that can alter the flavor of nearby parsley, so it’s best to grow them separately.
6. Cauliflower
Cauliflower, like its cousin cabbage, can be a bit of a troublemaker in the garden.
It attracts pests like cabbage worms and aphids, which can then migrate to your parsley plants.
Additionally, cauliflower has a robust root system that competes with parsley for water and nutrients, making it a less-than-ideal companion for your parsley.
Give your parsley some space from cauliflower to ensure a happy and healthy garden.
7. Fennel
Fennel might be a beautiful and flavorful herb, but it’s not the best friend for your parsley.
Fennel has allelopathic properties, meaning it releases chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including parsley.
To avoid these negative effects on your parsley, it’s best to keep fennel far away from your herb garden.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is yet another member of the brassica family that doesn’t play well with parsley.
Similar to cabbage and cauliflower, broccoli can attract pests that may harm your parsley plants.
It also has a large root system that competes for nutrients and water with parsley, which can result in less healthy, less productive parsley plants.
Keeping broccoli and parsley separate can help ensure both plants thrive in your garden.
9. Cucumber
Cucumbers, though refreshing and delicious, might not be the best neighbor for your parsley plants.
Cucumbers have large, sprawling vines that can overwhelm the more delicate parsley, casting shade and competing for valuable space.
Also, cucumbers are prone to certain diseases and pests that could pose a threat to your parsley if grown too closely together.
To ensure a happy and healthy parsley plant, it’s best to grow cucumbers at a safe distance.
10. Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts, another member of the brassica family, also pose challenges when grown near parsley.
These plants can attract similar pests, such as cabbage worms and aphids, which could then find their way to your parsley plants.
Moreover, brussels sprouts have a large and extensive root system, making it difficult for parsley to access the nutrients and water it needs.
Keep these two plants apart for the best results in your garden.
11. Shallots
Shallots may be a delicious addition to many dishes, but they’re not the best companion for parsley.
Like garlic, shallots prefer drier soil conditions, while parsley thrives in consistently moist soil.
This difference in soil preferences can make it difficult to maintain a healthy environment for both plants when grown together.
Additionally, the strong smell of shallots can potentially alter the flavor of nearby parsley, so it’s a good idea to grow them separately.
12. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is yet another brassica that doesn’t make a great companion for parsley.
Similar to its relatives, kohlrabi attracts pests like cabbage worms and aphids that can be harmful to your parsley.
It also competes with parsley for nutrients and water, which can affect the overall health and productivity of your parsley plants.
For a more harmonious garden, grow kohlrabi and parsley separately.
13. Beets
Beets may be a nutritious and colorful addition to the garden, but they’re not the ideal companion for parsley.
Both beets and parsley have taproots that can compete for nutrients and water in the soil, making it difficult for both plants to thrive.
To ensure the best possible growth and productivity for your parsley, it’s a good idea to keep beets at a distance.
Final Thoughts
While some plants make excellent companions for your parsley, there are others that can cause issues when grown too closely together.
By avoiding these 13 plants in your parsley garden, you can ensure a more successful and harmonious growing experience.
Remember, the company you keep can make all the difference, even in the plant world!